Indian Best Rapper: The Icons Who Shaped Indian Hip-Hop

Hip-hop, once considered a Western phenomenon, has firmly planted its roots in India over the last two decades. Today, Indian rappers are not only gaining popularity within the country but also making waves internationally. The Indian rap scene has witnessed the rise of various styles, regional influences, and an ever-growing fanbase, leading to the question: who is the indian best rapper?

While it’s difficult to crown a single artist as the best, several Indian rappers have emerged as pioneers of the genre, each contributing uniquely to the Indian hip-hop landscape. In this post, we’ll explore the top contenders for the title of Indian best rapper, their journeys, and the impact they’ve had on the industry.

1. Divine: The Voice of the Streets

Vivian Fernandes, popularly known by his stage name Divine, is often regarded as the Indian best rapper due to his raw and powerful lyrics that capture the essence of the streets. Born and raised in the slums of Mumbai, Divine’s music reflects his struggles, the hardships of the underprivileged, and the everyday realities of life in India’s financial capital. His breakthrough came with the release of “Meri Gully Mein,” a track that resonated deeply with audiences and introduced Indian rap to a broader mainstream audience.

Why Divine Stands Out:

• Realism in Lyrics: Divine’s ability to translate the realities of street life into impactful lyrics makes him relatable to many listeners.
• International Acclaim: Divine has collaborated with international artists like Nas, bringing Indian hip-hop to the global stage.
• Bollywood Influence: His music heavily influenced the Bollywood hit film Gully Boy, which is loosely based on his life and the rise of Indian street rap.

Divine’s influence on Indian hip-hop cannot be overstated, and his relentless passion has positioned him as a top contender for the title of the indian best rapper.

2. Naezy: The Storyteller of the Streets

Naved Shaikh, known as Naezy, is another powerhouse in the Indian rap scene. Growing up in Mumbai, Naezy’s music is a reflection of societal issues, corruption, and political unrest. Like Divine, Naezy’s humble beginnings and struggle to make it in the music industry have inspired his lyrics, which touch on everything from youth rebellion to the realities of life in India’s slums.

Why Naezy is Considered Among the Best:

• Social Commentary: Naezy’s raps are not just about music but also about making a statement. He speaks for the youth and the underrepresented communities in India.
• Unique Flow and Style: Naezy’s blend of Mumbai street slang and traditional Hindi gives his music a distinctive edge.
• Collaboration with Divine: Together with Divine, Naezy’s track “Meri Gully Mein” became a cultural phenomenon, launching both rappers to stardom and reshaping Indian hip-hop.

Naezy’s fearless approach to tackling serious issues through rap has earned him a place among the Indian best rapper contenders.

3. Raftaar: The Versatile Performer

Raftaar, born Dilin Nair, is widely regarded for his versatility and dynamic flow. With a career spanning over a decade, Raftaar has established himself as one of the leading figures in Indian rap, thanks to his ability to seamlessly blend rap with mainstream music genres like Bollywood, EDM, and Punjabi folk. Raftaar’s music often tackles personal growth, societal issues, and his own journey of rising from obscurity to fame.

Raftaar’s Key Contributions:

• Mainstream Appeal: Unlike some underground rappers, Raftaar has managed to bridge the gap between commercial success and artistic integrity. His ability to cater to both the masses and hardcore hip-hop fans has been key to his success.
• Collaborations with Top Artists: Raftaar has worked with some of the biggest names in Bollywood and the Indian music industry, expanding the reach of Indian rap.
• Judge on Reality Shows: As a judge on MTV’s Hustle, India’s first rap reality show, Raftaar has played an instrumental role in discovering and mentoring new talents in the Indian rap scene.

With his diverse catalog and ability to reach audiences from different walks of life, Raftaar remains a top contender in the conversation about the indian best rapper.

4. Emiway Bantai: The Independent Rapper

Emiway Bantai, whose real name is Bilal Shaikh, has earned a reputation for being fiercely independent and for refusing to be boxed into any specific style or genre. What makes Emiway unique is his DIY approach to music, from producing and writing to performing and promoting his own tracks. His songs, like “Bantai,” “Machayenge,” and “Firse Machayenge,” have gone viral on YouTube, garnering millions of views and cementing his place in Indian hip-hop.

Why Emiway Bantai Stands Out:

• Independence: Emiway’s decision to remain independent despite his massive success has set him apart from many of his peers. He has built his brand without relying on major labels or Bollywood, which is rare in the Indian music industry.
• YouTube Success: Emiway’s massive success on platforms like YouTube has proven that an artist can achieve fame without mainstream backing.
• Diss Tracks and Rivalries: Emiway has also been part of several high-profile rap feuds, including a famous diss track battle with Raftaar, which only fueled his popularity.

His fiercely independent spirit and commitment to authenticity make Emiway Bantai a strong candidate for the indian best rapper title.

5. Badshah: The Commercial King of Rap

Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia, known as Badshah, has become synonymous with commercial Indian rap. His music is a staple in Bollywood soundtracks, and his blend of Hindi, Punjabi, and rap has created a winning formula that appeals to the masses. With chart-topping hits like “DJ Waley Babu,” “Genda Phool,” and countless Bollywood collaborations, Badshah has carved out a unique niche for himself in India’s music industry.

Why Badshah is a Top Contender:

• Mass Appeal: Badshah’s music is everywhere—from radio to film to weddings—making him one of the most widely recognized faces in Indian rap.
• Crossover Success: Badshah has successfully crossed over into Bollywood and mainstream music, balancing rap with commercial appeal.
• Business Ventures: Beyond music, Badshah has ventured into multiple business avenues, from fashion lines to endorsements, further boosting his visibility and influence.

Though some purists may argue that Badshah’s style is more commercial pop-rap than underground hip-hop, his impact on bringing rap to mainstream India cannot be ignored. His success and widespread reach make him a vital part of the Indian best rapper conversation.

Conclusion

Determining the indian best rapper is subjective and depends on the criteria you consider most important. Some may argue that Divine’s authenticity and storytelling put him at the top, while others may point to Raftaar’s versatility or Badshah’s commercial success. Regardless of personal preferences, it’s undeniable that Indian hip-hop is experiencing a golden age, with a diverse range of artists pushing the boundaries of the genre.

Each rapper discussed here has contributed to making Indian hip-hop what it is today, and their unique styles and contributions will continue to shape the future of the genre. Whether it’s Divine’s street poetry, Emiway’s independence, or Badshah’s chart-topping hits, these artists are all part of India’s rich and evolving rap culture.